Infrastructure projects in regional areas will be provided one billion dollars over five years.
300 applications have been submitted for the first round of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean said communities have “truly embraced” RDAF as an opportunity to unlock regional Australia’s potential through locally driven solutions.
Ensuring the program funds deliver on local priorities, only applications endorsed by Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees and align with RDA Regional Plans will be considered.
RDAF applications include projects such as construction of new buildings such as sporting complexes and upgrading of existing facilities such as swimming pools and bridges.
“The diversity of applications confirms our understanding that each region is unique with distinctive strengths and diverse needs,” Mr Crean said.
Round One applications have up to $100 million attached and will be awarded on a competitive, merit-based process.
Mr Crean said successful projects will be announced in July.
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